Time (noun): the indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole.
In January of 2024, singer/songwriter Katie Cole launched her fan-funded Kickstarter campaign and began to work on her upcoming album Forest, not knowing it would take two years to get here. 730 days. That seems like a definite amount of time. But those days passed liked a roller coaster; in between sessions of recording for the album and an incredible year of touring, Cole was also experiencing the lowest part of her life with the passing of her mother.
Grief skews time just as much as happiness, but instead of flying by, it slows down. A day can feel like a week. One week can feel like a year. But everything important takes time. Grieving over the loss of a loved one, but so does that light coming through the trees. Cole has come through her Forest, creating an album that is honest, emotional and powerful, and she’s ready to introduce it to those who helped her when she’s needed them the most, her fans. Kicking off a rollout of singles is “Always Do,” premiering today with The Country Note.
“Always Do” is the first single from the upcoming album “Forest” due out this fall,” says Cole. “I am so excited to finally be able to share music. My producer Howard Willing cast a wide net to help achieve this sound. Session piano player Tim Lauer did all the arrangements for the orchestra that appear on 9 of the 10 songs. Every song isn’t a full orchestra, but arrangements were written to best elaborate on the style of each song. So some songs might lean a little more old school Dusty Springfield, and then songs like “Always Do” lean into a more sparse arrangement closer to Nick Drake. It really is an album unlike anything I’ve made before. We tracked in Nashville between Blackbird, Sound Emporium and other studios. Mixed by Howard Willing and Mastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound.”
Check out the premiere of “Always Do” below:
“This song is really about how complicated love is,” explains Cole. “Sometimes we fall in love with those who may not feel the same, or even those with no intention of being committed to us. There are a lot of grey areas when you consider what people are willing to do for love. Personally, I’ve been hurt many times and honestly, I’ve let myself be hurt by others just to feel like I belong. This one is for those who have trouble letting go even when we know it’s what’s best.”
“Always Do” is available here for download/streaming. Forest is set for a Fall 2026 release.
For more information on Katie Cole, visit her website www.katiecoleofficial.com and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.